Patents by Inventor Fred George
Fred George has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11976361Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing a transition metal nitride film on a substrate by atomic layer deposition in a reaction space defined by an at least one chamber wall and showerhead is disclosed. The apparatus may include, a substrate support disposed within the reaction space, the substrate support configured for supporting at least one substrate and a temperature control system for controlling a temperature of the at least one chamber wall at those portions of the at least one chamber wall that is exposed to a vapor phase reactant. The apparatus may also include a temperature control system for controlling a temperature of the showerhead, wherein the temperature control system for controlling a temperature of the showerhead is configured to control the temperature of the showerhead to a temperature of between approximately 80° C. and approximately 160° C.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.Inventors: Eric James Shero, Robert Brennan Milligan, William George Petro, Eric Wang, Fred Alokozai, Dong Li, Hao Wang, Melvin Verbaas, Luping Li
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Patent number: 11005534Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication (NFC) device is provided, comprising: a modulator configured to modulate a carrier signal received from an external reader, resulting in a modulated carrier signal; a controller configured to control a transmission of the modulated carrier signal to the external reader; a transmitter driver configured to transmit said modulated carrier signal, said transmitter driver having a variable resistance; wherein the controller is further configured to change said variable resistance during a modulation phase of the NFC device such that a clock synchronization window is widened. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating an NFC device is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed, carry out a method of the kind set forth.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Fred George Nunziata, Martin Buchsbaum, Erich Merlin, Adrian Rafael Krenn
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Publication number: 20210075470Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication (NFC) device is provided, comprising: a modulator configured to modulate a carrier signal received from an external reader, resulting in a modulated carrier signal; a controller configured to control a transmission of the modulated carrier signal to the external reader; a transmitter driver configured to transmit said modulated carrier signal, said transmitter driver having a variable resistance; wherein the controller is further configured to change said variable resistance during a modulation phase of the NFC device such that a clock synchronization window is widened. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating an NFC device is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed, carry out a method of the kind set forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Fred George NUNZIATA, Martin Buchsbaum, Erich Merlin, Adrian Rafael Krenn
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Patent number: 10164600Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader device for contact-less communication includes a transmitter block connected to an antenna via a matching circuitry. An electromagnetic carrier signal and modulated data information are emitted via this main antenna. Any secondary object brought into the vicinity of the main antenna influences the primary resonant circuit resulting in a load change seen by the transmitter. This detuning can cause increased power consumption, RF (Radio Frequency) standard incompliance, and device damage. The present disclosure describes devices and methods on how to detect detuning and how to regulate the transmitter's output.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Leonhard Kormann, Markus Wobak, Fred George Nunziata
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Patent number: 9997829Abstract: A Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled device is disclosed. The NFC device includes an antenna. The NFC device also includes an impedance matching network, a carrier frequency generator to generate a carrier wave, a receiver for receiving a magnetic induction wave, a transmitter, a driver circuit configured to alter an impedance of an antenna network associated with the antenna between a first impedance and a second impedance and a control unit. The control unit is configured to derive a first phase difference between the received magnetic induction wave and an internal clock at the first impedance and a second phase difference between the received magnetic induction wave and the internal clock at the second impedance. The control unit is further configured to change a phase of the carrier wave based on a difference between the first phase difference and a second phase difference.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Michael Gebhart, Fred George Nunziata, Hubert Watzinger
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Publication number: 20180040953Abstract: A Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled device is disclosed. The NFC device includes an antenna. The NFC device also includes an impedance matching network, a carrier frequency generator to generate a carrier wave, a receiver for receiving a magnetic induction wave, a transmitter, a driver circuit configured to alter an impedance of an antenna network associated with the antenna between a first impedance and a second impedance and a control unit. The control unit is configured to derive a first phase difference between the received magnetic induction wave and an internal clock at the first impedance and a second phase difference between the received magnetic induction wave and the internal clock at the second impedance. The control unit is further configured to change a phase of the carrier wave based on a difference between the first phase difference and a second phase difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Michael Gebhart, Fred George Nunziata, Hubert Watzinger
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Patent number: 9721137Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a biometric image is disclosed, which may comprise: providing a biometric image sensor which may comprise one of a one dimensional swiped sensor array, a two dimensional swiped sensor array and a two dimensional placement sensor array, each of which may comprise a capacitive gap sensor measuring a change in a transmitted signal received as a received signal, based upon changes in the transmitted signal passing through a biometric, the biometric image sensor may be one of mounted on a host device or cooperating with the host device; providing a biometric placement positioning prompt on a display on the host device, which prompt may indicate whether a current positioning of the biometric is proper for initiating biometric imaging by the biometric image sensor, e.g., indicating a current positioning of the biometric and the desired positioning of the biometric.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 9654181Abstract: Transmitter (TX) modulation envelope parameters are defined in RF standards (e.g., ISO 14443, NFC Forum, EMVCo). These envelope parameters include rise/fall times, modulation index, etc. For standards compliancy, these envelope parameters must be within the respective limits. For example, shaping parameters are influenced by detuning the antenna with a counterpart device like a card or mobile phone, or by thermal influences on the matching network. This disclosure describes an NFC or RFID device that is able to detect and measure the detuning on the antenna and/or the matching network change. With this information, the NFC or RFID device can dynamically control the shaping parameters of the envelope, instead of relying on one single static configuration setting for the transmitter. In particular, changes in the Q (quality) factor are used for dynamically controlling the transmitter signal envelope shape for compensating the effect of antenna detuning and/or matching network variation.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Markus Wobak, Leonhard Kormann, Fred George Nunziata
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Publication number: 20170104468Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader device for contact-less communication includes a transmitter block connected to an antenna via a matching circuitry. An electromagnetic carrier signal and modulated data information are emitted via this main antenna. Any secondary object brought into the vicinity of the main antenna influences the primary resonant circuit resulting in a load change seen by the transmitter. This detuning can cause increased power consumption, RF (Radio Frequency) standard incompliance, and device damage. The present disclosure describes devices and methods on how to detect detuning and how to regulate the transmitter's output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Leonhard Kormann, Markus Wobak, Fred George Nunziata
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Publication number: 20140355845Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a biometric image is disclosed, which may comprise: providing a biometric image sensor which may comprise one of a one dimensional swiped sensor array, a two dimensional swiped sensor array and a two dimensional placement sensor array, each of which may comprise a capacitive gap sensor measuring a change in a transmitted signal received as a received signal, based upon changes in the transmitted signal passing through a biometric, the biometric image sensor may be one of mounted on a host device or cooperating with the host device; providing a biometric placement positioning prompt on a display on the host device, which prompt may indicate whether a current positioning of the biometric is proper for initiating biometric imaging by the biometric image sensor, e.g., indicating a current positioning of the biometric and the desired positioning of the biometric.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Fred George BENKLEY, David Joseph GEOFFROY, Pallavi SATYAN
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Patent number: 8811688Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8693736Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8447077Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20130094715Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8374407Abstract: A live finger detection system and method includes a drive plate configured to inject radio frequency signals into an object proximate the drive plate. The injected radio frequency energy causes the object to radiate an electric field. A pickup plate is configured to detect an intensity associated with the electric field radiated by the object. A sensor coupled to the pickup plate is configured to determine whether the object is a live finger based on the detected intensity of the electric field radiated by the object.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8358815Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20120308092Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8229184Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to produce highly accurate fingerprint images as well as to control electronic devices. Here improved signal analysis algorithms and methods are disclosed that enable finger position to be determined with higher levels of accuracy as the finger is swiped over finger position sensing arrays. These algorithms are particularly useful for deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based sensing arrays.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8165355Abstract: The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8131026Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan